First Tech FCU Names CEO

First Tech Federal Credit Union announced the appointment of Gregory Mitchell as its new president/CEO, effective immediately. Mitchell previously served as CEO of Irvine, Calif.-based First PacTrust Bancorp and PacTrust Bank.

With more than 30 years of community banking and financial institution experience and his visionary, results-driven leadership style, Mitchell is the ideal leader for First Tech, the credit union said. He is deeply committed to customer service and serving the community, and has been a member of a credit union for more than 35 years, First Tech said in a statement.

Mitchell replaces former president/CEO Benson Porter, who accepted the position of president/ CEO of Seattle-based BECU in February. As a result of Mitchell’s appointment, interim president/CEO Hank Sigmon will return to his previous position of chief financial officer.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Greg to First Tech and believe that his extensive financial institution experience, his deep roots in serving the community and his visionary leadership approach are the perfect match for us,” said John Weidert, chairman of First Tech’s board of directors. “Hank and our entire executive team have done an outstanding job leading First Tech in the interim, affording the board the time to select the perfect candidate.”

“I’ve admired First Tech’s innovative, member-centric approach to banking and believe that First Tech is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional products and benefits to current and future members while also reporting strong and consistent growth in assets and earnings,” said Mitchell. “I’m excited to join such a forward-thinking institution and look forward to contributing to First Tech’s success in delivering an extraordinary level of service and value for America’s tech professionals and others who value high quality products and exceptional service.”